Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Empowering South African youth through Honour, Courage, and Commitment
Our Guiding Principles
The foundation of everything we do at SA Youth Cadets
Our Mission
To sculpt the leaders of tomorrow by blending adventure with camaraderie in a supportive environment. We empower young South Africans from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to develop mental, physical, spiritual, and moral strength through transformative semi-military, spiritual, and recreational activities.
Our Vision
A united community on the Cape Flats where young leaders embrace our core values and proudly represent SA Youth Cadets in schools and communities. We envision a new generation of proud South African citizens who bridge generational divides and inspire positive change through love and discipline.
Honour
We uphold integrity, respect, and ethical conduct in all our actions. Honour means treating others with dignity, being truthful, and taking responsibility for our choices. Our cadets learn to act with moral courage and represent their families and communities with pride.
Courage
We foster bravery to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and step outside comfort zones. Courage is about standing up for what is right, trying new things, and persevering through adversity. Our programs build confidence and resilience in every cadet.
Commitment
We demonstrate dedication to personal growth, team success, and community service. Commitment means showing up consistently, following through on promises, and giving your best effort. Our cadets learn the power of perseverance and loyalty to their goals and peers.
Our Leadership Philosophy
A holistic approach to youth development grounded in spiritual guidance and ethical transformation
Spiritual Foundation
At the heart of SA Youth Cadets is a deep spiritual foundation that guides all our activities. We believe in nurturing the soul alongside the body and mind, helping young people discover their purpose and connect with values greater than themselves. Our spiritual guidance provides a moral compass for decision-making and fosters compassion, empathy, and service to others.
TIBMIT Program
The Transforming Intuitive Behavioural Management Initiative Thinking Program (TIBMIT) is our signature developmental approach. This innovative methodology combines adventure challenges, creative exploration, and structured reflection to develop essential life skills. Through TIBMIT, cadets learn problem-solving, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and critical thinking in experiential settings that make learning memorable and meaningful.
Semi-Military Structure
Our semi-military framework provides discipline, structure, and a sense of belonging that many young people crave. This approach teaches respect for authority, punctuality, teamwork, and personal accountability. The structured environment creates clear expectations while building confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively within hierarchical systems essential for future success.
Holistic Development
We develop the whole person through integrated programs addressing mental, physical, spiritual, and moral growth. Physical activities build strength and endurance, intellectual challenges sharpen the mind, spiritual practices deepen values, and moral education shapes character. This comprehensive approach ensures cadets emerge as well-rounded individuals prepared for life's complexities and opportunities.
Community Connection
Leadership extends beyond personal achievement to serving others and strengthening communities. Through soup kitchen initiatives, community service projects, and engagement with local organizations, our cadets learn that true leadership means lifting others up. We foster a sense of responsibility to use their growing skills and confidence to make positive contributions to the Cape Flats and beyond.
Our Journey of Growth
Milestones that shaped SA Youth Cadets into the transformative organization we are today
The Vision Born
2008
Dr. Capt. Rev. Randall Petersen founded SA Youth Cadets with a powerful vision: to transform the lives of young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds on the Cape Flats. Starting with a handful of dedicated youth, the dream was to create leaders grounded in Honour, Courage, and Commitment.
Community Roots
2010-2012
The organization established its first three branches across the Cape Flats, each tailored to serve local communities. With over 40 initial cadets, programs focused on building trust, discipline, and a sense of belonging among youth aged 6-23 who needed positive role models and structured guidance.
TIBMIT Launch
2014
The groundbreaking TIBMIT program was introduced, revolutionizing youth development through experiential learning. Combining adventure challenges, creative exploration, and behavioral transformation, this initiative became the cornerstone of our approach, setting SA Youth Cadets apart from conventional youth programs.
Regional Expansion
2016-2019
Growing demand led to rapid expansion across Western Cape communities. From 3 branches to 20, and from 40 cadets to over 200, SA Youth Cadets established hiking programs, community soup kitchens, and arts facilitation sessions. Parent involvement grew as families witnessed transformative changes in their children.
Today's Impact
2020-Present
With 36 branches and over 360 dedicated cadets, SA Youth Cadets stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Our alumni serve as mentors, community leaders, and role models. Under Dr. Petersen's continued guidance, we're bridging generational divides and shaping a generation of ethical, courageous leaders committed to building a better South Africa.
Our Reach and Impact
Numbers that reflect our commitment to transforming lives across South Africa
Established across the Cape Flats and Western Cape communities, each branch serves as a hub for youth development and community engagement.
Young leaders actively participating in our programs, developing skills, building character, and making a difference in their communities.
From young children to young adults, we provide age-appropriate programs that grow with our cadets throughout their developmental journey.
Community Initiatives
Regular soup kitchen programs, hiking expeditions, nature retreats, and arts facilitation sessions that connect youth with their communities and environment.
Skills Development
Through TIBMIT and structured activities, cadets develop leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills.
Family Engagement
We bridge generational divides by involving parents and families in our mission, creating a unified approach to youth development and community building.
Leadership Team
Dedicated leaders guiding our mission to transform young lives
Dr. Capt. Rev. Randall Petersen
Founder & Visionary Leader
The visionary behind SA Youth Cadets, Dr. Petersen has dedicated his life to empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. His unique blend of spiritual guidance, military discipline, and compassionate leadership has shaped the organization's transformative approach to youth development.
Captain Marcus Williams
Chief Training Officer
With over 15 years of experience in youth development and military training, Captain Williams oversees all TIBMIT programs and ensures our semi-military structure remains effective, safe, and transformative for every cadet across our 36 branches.
Lieutenant Sarah Mbatha
Programs Director
An alumna of SA Youth Cadets herself, Sarah now leads program development, coordinates community initiatives, and ensures our values of Honour, Courage, and Commitment are integrated into every activity and interaction with our cadets.
Chaplain David Johnson
Spiritual Guidance Coordinator
Chaplain Johnson provides the spiritual foundation that underpins all SA Youth Cadets activities. He leads reflective sessions, mentors cadets facing personal challenges, and ensures our programs nurture the moral and spiritual growth of every young person.
Officer Nomsa Dlamini
Community Engagement Manager
Nomsa builds bridges between SA Youth Cadets and the broader community. She coordinates soup kitchens, organizes parent engagement sessions, and develops partnerships with schools and local organizations to expand our reach and impact.
Sergeant Thabo Mokoena
Youth Development Specialist
Thabo specializes in adolescent psychology and adventure-based learning. He designs and facilitates the experiential components of TIBMIT, from hiking expeditions to creative arts sessions, ensuring each activity builds essential life skills and confidence.
Voices of Transformation
Stories from cadets, parents, and community partners who have witnessed our impact firsthand
SA Youth Cadets completely changed my life. When I joined at 14, I was struggling with anger and had no direction. Through the TIBMIT program and the guidance of our leaders, I learned discipline, respect, and most importantly, that I have value. Today I'm 19, a senior cadet, and mentoring younger kids who remind me of my past self.
As a single mother, I was worried about my son falling into the wrong crowd. SA Youth Cadets gave him structure, positive role models, and activities that kept him engaged. I've watched him grow from a shy 10-year-old into a confident, respectful young man. The change in his behavior at home and school has been remarkable.
The values taught at SA Youth Cadets—Honour, Courage, and Commitment—are exactly what we try to instill in our school. The cadets from this program consistently demonstrate leadership, help other students, and approach challenges with maturity beyond their years. They are assets to our school community.
I joined when I was just 6 years old, and now at 16, SA Youth Cadets is like my second family. The hiking trips taught me to push through challenges, the community service showed me the importance of helping others, and the mentorship helped me dream bigger. I want to become a teacher so I can give back like my leaders gave to me.
Our community soup kitchen partners with SA Youth Cadets monthly, and seeing these young people serve with such dedication and respect is inspiring. They don't just hand out food—they engage with community members, listen to stories, and treat everyone with dignity. Dr. Petersen has raised a generation of compassionate leaders.
Join the Movement
Be part of shaping South Africa's future leaders through Honour, Courage, and Commitment
Whether you're a young person seeking purpose and growth, a parent looking for positive guidance for your child, or a community partner wanting to make a difference, SA Youth Cadets welcomes you. Together, we can transform lives and build a united, stronger Cape Flats community.
For Youth & Parents
Explore our programs for ages 6-23 and discover how SA Youth Cadets can provide structure, mentorship, and transformative experiences.
Volunteer & Support
Join our team of dedicated volunteers, become a mentor, or support our mission through donations and partnerships.
Community Partners
Schools, businesses, and organizations: partner with us to expand our reach and impact across Western Cape communities.